The Lagos State government, on Monday, arraigned ASP Drambi Vandi, who allegedly shot and killed a lawyer, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, on December 25, 2022, before a State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.
Vandi was docked before Justice Ibironke Harrison on a one-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The arraignment which was scheduled for 9am was initially delayed by the absence of counsel to defend Vandi in court.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
When the case was initially called, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, who is leading the prosecution, had told the court that he was informed the defence counsel was still on his way.
Following the development, Justice Harrison was forced to stand the matter down to allow the defence counsel, Adetokunbo Odutola, get to court.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, the chairman of the NBA, Lagos Branch, Ikechukwu Uwanna, and other executives of the association were also present in court to monitor proceedings.
Vandi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos State, allegedly shot Raheem while she was returning from an outing with her family members.
He was arrested and later suspended by Police Service Commission (PSC) after an investigation indicted him.
Earlier, on December 30, 2022, the defendant appeared before a Chief Magistrate, Miss Adeola Olatunbosun, who ordered that he should be remanded at the Ikoyi custodial facility pending advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
